Red Bull’s Formula 1 dominance stirred fresh controversy at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix as Max Verstappen stormed through the field, making up six places on the first lap alone. But team principal Christian Horner is pushing back against any claims that Verstappen’s new engine gave him an undue edge. After facing power unit issues in Mexico that forced a switch to fresh parts in Brazil—along with a grid penalty that started Verstappen in 17th—questions arose over whether this new engine setup provided a secret weapon. Horner says the answer is a resounding “No.”
“Everything comes together in a package, but I don’t think there was any significant horsepower boost or anything like that,” Horner asserted to reporters. “Max’s overtakes? They were all on the brakes, not in a straight line.” Red Bull’s choice to swap engines in Brazil was strategic, Horner explained, noting that Interlagos is a circuit where overtaking is possible—a feature they planned to capitalize on despite initial doubts.
The Dutchman’s ability to climb up the grid so quickly was evident not only in the dry but also in Brazil’s notorious wet conditions. Red Bull’s consistent speed and control in the rain wasn’t a fluke, according to Horner. “We saw it was competitive in the dry. Max showed that if he could clear Leclerc early on, he’d be challenging the McLarens,” he said. “In the wet, the car simply came alive.”
Red Bull’s recent upgrades, designed to fix the balance issues that plagued the RB20, have helped the team bounce back from tough races in Austin and Mexico. Though they didn’t fully capitalize on these changes before Brazil, Horner believes their latest efforts prove they’re back on track. “We’ve made real progress on the tyres, too,” he added. “In Austin, we won the Sprint, and here in Brazil, we’re finally getting the most out of our upgrades.”
The standout performance in Brazil highlights Red Bull’s return to form, and with Verstappen leading the charge, the team’s competitive edge is back under scrutiny. As the season winds down, Red Bull’s resilience—and Verstappen’s relentless pursuit—promise plenty of action ahead.
